July 2019 Edition 136 Chung Tian Buddhist Temple

1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Newsletter Website: www.chungtian.org.au BLIAQ Email: [email protected] Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522 Australia Greetings to all our readers: Another busy month has gone by as we saw the final Meditation and classes for term two, and the beginning of the English Buddhist and Meditation Class Intensive Course. In addition, there was a well-attended Dharma talk by the Chancellor of Institute of . The Eight Precepts Retreat on 15 June had over 60 participants, and one of our members has shared her experience of that very special event. We have the regular items - Our Beautiful Temple, this time featuring the Blessing Bell, as well as this month’s words of Master where he is reflecting on understanding time. Membership of our branch is growing, and in response to requests from newer members, over the next few months we will be presenting information about the branch, some of the committee members and the BLIAQ in general, together with a short segment of notes from your branch president Gary.

Thoughts from the

English Buddhist and Editors Pen A week or so ago, the Smithsonian Daily, featured a story by Brigit Katz* about Sommarøy, a small Meditation Class Intensive Course Norwegian island north of the Arctic Circle. Mr Hveding is one of many residents requesting that Sundays 30 June time be abolished on Sommarøy. Katz reported “last week, Hveding presented a Norwegian 7, 14 and 21 July 10:00 am – 12:00pm member of parliament with a petition signed by the island’s residents, asking to become the world’s first time-free zone.” The rationale behind this is the nature of the environment. This remote island is one where “there is little to no sunlight in winter and a never setting sun during summer.” During Bright Light Dharma summer there are 69 days when the sun just does not set. During winter it simply does not rise. The Service end result is that residents of this island have a different concept of time from those of us who Sat 6 July 10:30 am experience day and night in a conventional regular and predictable pattern. This concept sparked my attention. I have always had an interest in time, how it is perceived indeed what it really is. Is it just a delusion? More years ago than I care to remember, even at uni, I was writing about the influence of time on society. Consequently, a couple of days ago after reading about Sommarøy, I delved deep into the recesses of a cupboard under the stairs, braved the Tea Ceremony Day cobwebs, and somehow managed to find some old musings. I wasn’t a Buddhist then, true I was at Chung Tian Temple being drawn to it, but I had not truly embraced it all those years ago. Would I still view time the Sun 14 July 10:00 am – 3:00pm same way now I wondered as I began to turn the crumpled and faded pages? To my surprise I had ended with a quote from TS Elliot’s Little Gidding: “We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started Great Compassion And know the place for the first time Repentance Service Through the unknown, remembered gate Sat 20 July When the last of earth left to discover 9:30 am – 12:00pm Is that which was the beginning.”

So with all that in mind, this month’s words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, are:- ‘Understanding Time’. Buddha’s Light Scout Hilary Lennon Editor Group Activities * https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews-arts-culture/norwegian-island-wants-become-worlds-first-time-free-zone- Starts 21 July 180972443/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190619-daily- responsive&spMailingID=40000169&spUserID=NjU2MTI0Njg2Mjg2S0&spJobID=1541648359&spReportId=MTU0MTY0ODM1OQS2

Contents this issue Page Our Beautiful Temple: The Blessing Bell 2 Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun 3 Meet your BLIAQ Branch Committee 4 Diary reminders from your branch president 5 Reflection on the Eight Precepts Retreat 6 English Buddhist & Meditation Class Intensive Course 7 Tea Ceremony Day at Chung Tian Temple 8 Temple Events for August 2019 9 Term 3 Meditation, Buddhist and Tai Chi Classes 10

Buddha’s Light International Association Qld Newsletter Edition 136 July 2019

Our Beautiful Temple

The Blessing Bell

The large Blessing Bell in Kuan Yin Court originally came from Taiwan and was brought to Australia specifically for the Temple in 1997. It weighs 7 ton. It is believed to be the biggest and heaviest bell in Brisbane and represents a reminder for all to herald peace and harmony. An offering to Buddhist teachings may be made in the centre court by ringing the large Blessing Bell. Striking the bell to pay honour to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is called a ‘bell offering’. There are many merits in striking the bell, and when striking it to make such an offering, the intention should be to extend benefit to others. It is also important to be mindful of its inscription:

Let the chime of the bell alleviate sufferings, cultivate wisdom and induce enlightenment. Let those hearing it refrain from suffering in hell and the burning flame, but vow to attain Buddhahood and deliver all sentient beings.

The above Gatha* inscription is based on part of the Ekottara Agama Sutra. *(Sanskrit term for "stanza" or "verse”)

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THIS MONTH’S WORDS OF VENERABLE MASTER HSING YUN

Understanding Time*

Many people often complain about how time flies, while others complain about how time crawls. Some spend their time in search of fame and fortune instead of spending time with their loved ones, while others waste their time on trivial matters instead of using time to better themselves. If students are unwilling to spend time in the classroom, how can they acquire knowledge and broaden their horizons? If farmers are unwilling to spend time ploughing the land, how can they reap a full harvest? It is clear that the way time is perceived is dependent upon how time is used. Once up a time, someone asked a Chan master to teach him how to manage time. The master replied- “When time passes, it never returns: every second is thus precious.” Hence whoever can use time wisely has control of his or her life. It does not matter how old you are; what is important is how you manage your time. “For a person who is exhausted, the road is long; for a person who cannot sleep the night is endless; for a person who does not understand the truth, the reality of birth and death is far reaching.” We must understand that the past will never return, the present is gone in the blink of an eye, and the future is fast approaching and will become the past in a moment. An eminent master once said, “A day’s time is more precious than the treasures of the universe.” As long as we can understand the fleeting essence of time and learn how to use it wisely, we can break the boundaries of time and transcend the limits of temporal space. As long as we can learn to treasure every second of our lives and seize every moment, we will be able to realise and experience the truth in the saying, “a moment is eternity.” In this way, precious time is not limited to the tolling of an eternal clock.

*All in a Thought Between Ignorance and Enlightenment I, Understanding Time p13-14. Venerable Master Hsing Yun, 2008 3rd edition. Buddha’s Light Publishing.

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Meet Your Branch BLIAQ Committee Treasurer

Some of our newer members have asked for information about our branch and the dedicated people who make up the Branch Committee. So, over the next few editions, we will profile each of the members who make up the Chung Tian BLIAQ Branch Committee. This month we feature our branch treasurer Anne.

Anne has been coming to Chung Tian since August of 2006 and has held the role of treasurer for four and a half years.

Although she has not always been a Buddhist, Anne somehow felt drawn towards Buddhism and was initially looking for somewhere to start Buddhism classes. Anne told us she felt very fortunate to have found Chung Tian and also have the opportunity to attend the classes almost immediately, especially as it was quite close to her home. In her words:-

“From my first Sunday class I felt this was 'right' for me and was so eager for the next Sunday to come around. I still feel like that 13 years later plus now, apart from classes, I enjoy and value the friendship of other members.”

When asked what her most memorable or special experience at Chung Tian has been over the years, Anne had no hesitation in her reply:- “My greatest memory of Chung Tian is taking the Triple Gem and Five Precepts Ceremony when Master Hsing Yun came to the Temple for the opening of the Pagoda in 2007. Having him perform the ceremony made it such a special day.” Anne has been retired for six years after having worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs “for a very long time”. She is an ardent animal lover, enjoys the beach and the mountains, and is “never without a book to read”. She has a special soft spot for the elderly and loves the colour yellow, which makes the BLIAQ member’s vest that she wears with pride, even more special.

Anne is a stalwart of Chung Tian, and members who know her, recognise her beautiful smile, as well as her hard work and dedication to the entire Buddhist community of Chung Tian.

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Diary Notes from your Branch President.

A new segment for the newsletter is notes from our branch president’s diary. Much of this information is sent to everyone by email, but we will highlight items of particular relevance for the coming months.

17 August is the Sangha offering at 11.00am in the Bodhisattva Hall, and as this is catered please ensure you have advised Gary of your attendance as he will need to have numbers by 15 July.

30 June and 7, 14, 21 July English Buddhist and Meditation Class Intensive Course. Members are encouraged to attend. (See poster page 7)

A note on Member ship fees: Invoices will be sent out shortly and will be due by 31 July. It is proposed that the annual membership for our branch be increased from $45.00 to $50.00. There are a couple of reasons why, including that our annual fee to the BLIA has, until now, been subsidised by the BLIA, and that subsidy has now ceased. In addition, all of the other branches have an annual membership fee of $50.00. So not only will the increase bring our branch in line with the other branches, it will also help us pay the increased levy. However, should this increase be difficult for any member, please do go and see Gary or Anne who will confidentially assist in any way they can.

Etiquette for the Sunday Morning Chanting Service. At a recent Sunday morning English chanting service Venerable Miao Xin reminded us all of the correct order of place for participants. Those with Brown Robes should be at the front of the Bodhisattva Hall, those with Black Robes behind them, anyone with a BLIAQ Yellow Vest is next, and those in casual dress behind the Yellow Vest participants. It is also important not to spread out with only single members in a row, rather utilise one block of cushions at a time before spreading out to another block on the left or right.

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A member reflects on the recent 8 Precepts Retreat at Chung Tian Temple

I have to admit that I was quite nervous as I approached the 8 Precepts day held at the temple. I think that noticing there were very few English speaking attendees on the signup

sheet was a starting point, but also not knowing exactly what the day would hold didn’t help much either. What I can share was that the nerves, whilst understandable, were not really needed.

The day was amazing. The day itself allows lay people to experience the life on a monastic. Many

at the temple will be aware of the 5 precepts. The 8 Precepts adds three more, to abstain from eating after lunch, to abstain from entertainment, such as dancing, singing, and as pointed out during the day, watching tv, avoiding personal adornments such as make up, jewellery and perfumes, and finally, to not sleep in a ‘high and wide’ bed. There is also an expectation to vary the precept on sexual intimacy to abstinence for the day. The main focus of the day was the actual taking of the 8 Precepts, which included a rehearsal. This was a bit tricky given all explanations and instructions were in Chinese, but with the help of BLIAQ members Janet and Lyna, I managed to mostly follow the process.

The rest of the day consisted mostly of chanting and talks. Although the chanting was foreign, English versions were provided in a similar manner to our Sunday English chanting. The atmosphere in the temple was truly inspiring – the voices reverberated in such a truly enchanting way. The talks were graciously translated by one of the venerable through an ear piece, which mostly worked well after a few technical hiccups. Lunch felt like an almost regal affair, and whilst simple, felt steeped in ceremony. As the last meal to be consumed before sunrise the following day, the amount of food provided was more than generous. I am always curious about the food and how the temple provides vegan food that

is so delicious.

At the end of the day, there was space for reflection and it was nice that the English speakers were grouped together to chat. We agreed that the language barrier made things challenging, but also reflected

on how we were able to get through the day despite this. We reflected also on the freedom that comes with such a day, with no expectations or distractions around things such as hair, make up and clothing as robes were worn throughout the day, and the freedom which comes from

removing the expectation to interact with others through noble silence, that it actually felt quite liberating.

I would highly recommend this experience to others. It is a small insight into the life of a monastic, but brings with it a whole new level of respect and understanding. I will certainly be looking to repeat this experience should the chance arrive.

Belinda

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FO GUANG SHAN CHUNG TIAN TEMPLE ACTIVITIES FOR JULY 2019

Date Day Time Program

3 July (Lunar 1/6) Wed 11:00am Bright Light Dharma Service

6 July Sat 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service (Sutra of Filial Piety)

7, 14, 21 July Sun 10:00am-12:00pm English Buddhist and Meditation Class Intensive Course

10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service (Diamond Sutra) 13 July Sat 1:30pm BLIAQ Monthly President’s Meeting

14 July Sun 10:00am-3:00pm Tea Ceremony Day at Chung Tian Temple

17 July (Lunar 15/6) Wed 11:00am Bright Light Dharma Service

20 July Sat 9:30am-12:00pm Great Compassion Repentance Service

21 July (Lunar 19/6) Sun 11:00am Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day Buddhist Chanting Service with Merit Transfer to the 27 July Sat 10:30am-12:00pm Deceased 9:00am- Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Class 12:00noon (School starts on 20 July) Chung Tian School City Centre Children/Teenagers Every week Sat Chinese Class (School starts on 20 July) (South Bank) 1:30pm-4:30pm Chung Tian School Adult Chinese Class (School starts on 20 July) Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Class (School starts on 21 July) (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan) 9:00am-12:00pm Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Class Every week Sun (School starts on 21 July) Buddha’s Light Scout Group Activities (Starts on 21 1:30pm-3:00pm July) Wed 9:30am-11:00am Every week Sat 9:00am-10:30am Chung Tian Tai Chi Class Sun 8:30am-10:00am

Wed 9:30am-12:00pm English Basic Class

Every week Thur 9:30am-12:00pm English Progressive Class

Fri 9:30am-12:00pm English Intermediate Class

1st & 3rd week Thur 10:30am-12:00pm Buddhist Chanting Service (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan)

2nd & 4th week Thur 10:30am-12:00pm Group Study, Meditation (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan)

Every week Sun 1:30am-3:30pm Chung Tian Choir (Starts on 14 July)

Every week Sun 9:00am-9:40am English Chanting Service

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2019 Term 3 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple

Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Level: Level 2 Level: Level 3 Day: Sunday Day: Sunday Day: Sunday Date: 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 Date: 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 Date 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 Time: 9:00am-10:00am (Meditation) Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) 10:10am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) 11:10am-12:00am (Meditation) 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $30 per term - Booking required Cost: $30 per term - Booking required Cost: $30 per term - Booking required

Bodhi Class For Children Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class Ages: 4 - 12 years Level: Level 4 (Free for BLIAQ members) Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Ì To book for the Buddhist Day: Sunday Date: 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 classes, an application form Date 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 Cost: $30 per term must be completed and Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. returned to the Chung Tian 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) Ì Children are taught Buddhist morals and Temple’s reception together Cost: $30 per term – booking is required ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are with full payment at least a backed by fun activities which include: simple week prior to the course meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories and virtues, craft activities and team-building commence date. Tai Chi Class games. Ì For all enquiries please Day: Every Wednesday contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday Teenager’s Buddhist Class to Sunday, or email: Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Ages : 13 - 19 years [email protected] Where: Chung Tian Temple or see www.chungtian.org.au Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Cost: Free donation Thank you Date: 25 Aug 2019 – 29 Sept 2019 Tai Chi Class Cost: $30 per term Day: Every Saturday Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family Time: 9.00am – 10.30am will be free.

Where: Chung Tian Temple Ì The intermediate Dharma class builds on and expands the basic foundations of Cost: Free donation Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical approach and solutions to challenges issues Tai Chi Class faced by young people today. Day: Every Sunday

Time: 8.30am – 10.00am

Where: Chung Tian Temple

Cost: Free donation

Please send items and suggestions for inclusion in the newsletter to: [email protected] with the word “Newsletter” in the subject. If referring to another person by name (or photograph) in your submission, please ensure you have their permission to do so. A special thank you to Belinda for her reflection on the 8 Precepts retreat also thanks to Peter Wu and 惜寬 for photographs this edition.

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